Flowering in time

Following the Gene sequencing of the Arabidopsis Thaliana in 2000, researchers have been able to isolate and study the genes influencing flowering time. Further analysis of these genes indicated that some of these genes were involved in the perception and signaling of day length.

Whilst several prominent models have been proposed illuminating (pardon the pun) the link between how perception of day length leads to control of developmental responses such as flowering, the research conducted by Dr. J. Putterill utilized the information gleaned from a study performed by Thomas & Cince-Prue (1997) that indicates timing, duration, intensity and wavelength of light are all important for Long Day promotion of flowering. This knowledge, combined with the relatively recent ability to screen the Arabidopsi Thaliana plants for mutants with longer or shorter circadian periods has resulted in some interesting data.

Dr. J. Putterill’s article discusses the intriguing link between how the environmental conditions and the internal signals relate to the transition of flowering and the role of the plants circadian clock.





References:

Putterill, J. (2001). Flowering in time: Genes Controlling Photoperiodic Flowering in Arabidopsis. The Royal Society doi 10.1098/rstb.2001.0963.

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